The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Attorney-General of the Federation(AGF) and state attorneys-general to respect the court judgment that favoured financial autonomy to judiciary workers in the country.
The call is contained in a statement signed by the NLC General Secretary, Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
The statement quoted Ozo-Eson as saying that financial autonomy for the judiciary was non-negotiable.
He said that the ongoing strike by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) was due to government’s disregard for the judicial pronouncement by a court of competent jurisdiction.
He added that “a year ago, a court of competent jurisdiction entered a judgment in favour of JUSUN.
“The court directed the AGF to deduct money and pay the National Judicial Council as part of the process of directly funding the judiciary, which in our view further strengthens our democracy.
“It needs no stating that for the development of our democracy, we need strong institutions, a truly independent judiciary in de jure and de facto terms.’’
The NLC scribe stated that since the judgment, more than seven Memoranda of Understanding had been signed with government arising from different meetings.
He, however, said that in spite breaches by government and agencies, JUSUN had continually displayed understanding and uncommon maturity.
He said the direct funding of the judiciary was a constitutional right, which had been further strengthened by the judicial pronouncement.
“We, therefore, call on the Attorney-General of the Federation and all Attorneys-General of the states to respect this judgment.
“It is saddening that these law officers are seen to be breaking the law in such a brazen manner and at a time like this,’’ he added. (NAN)
Source : Independent
